The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
On the other hand, whether through media or cultural narratives, Filipinos often view politicians—celebrity or not—as saviors who will single-handedly transform the nation. Each candidate becomes a symbol for change, and we place immense hope in them, only to end up disillusioned. Of course, we also must understand how the desperate and less educated vote. It is not easy to examine and make the right choice if you are regularly hungry, knowing only what is around you, what others tell you. You have faith in whoever promises to lift you up, anyone who gives you crumbs. Even those who are comfortable and have access to information can be easily swayed by fake news. We cannot preach because many of us are misled as long as we have hope.
As a Filipino and film industry worker who experienced the Martial Law era, I also hoped that life would improve after the dictatorship fell. When democracy returned, I rejoiced and pinned my hopes on leaders like the widowed president, who lacked administrative experience; later, on an actor-turned-president, and leaders from my home province, Pampanga. Today, we even have the son of a former president leading the country. Yet, despite these shifts, the cycle of hope and disappointment continues.
Elections in the Philippines are divisive, with families and friends clashing over political loyalties. We debate about them as if we are experts, lash out at each other for our electoral choices while we ourselves have consistently voted for politicians whose services have been unsatisfactory.
Decades go by, the Philippines has remained stagnant—if not worse. For many politicians, holding office is a chance to enrich themselves first; the nation comes later. Poverty has been normalized, accepted as inevitable. If you’re already in your 50s and still believe that your wishes as a voter are heard, maybe check yourself. We should realize that politicians lack the desire to change lives, for they often rely on our patience, resilience and desperation to keep them in power.
As voters, considering the options we had—do our votes reflect who we are? Do we vote for them because we relate with their flaws, so we keep forgiving them? Do we truly seek candidates with the capacity to help us, or do we let these people rule because we cannot properly guide our own lives? We talk of competent politicians, but who are thecompetent voters?
Sometimes it is painful to watch how we Filipinos can be so easy to please, often choosing like a film audience—preferring quick-relief entertainment instead of facing serious truths. Our elections are like popularity contests: dancing, singing, cracking jokes, appealing to our weaknesses and vices—sometimes these are all a candidate needs to get a landslide victory. We dismiss our favorites’ sins and perhaps have also become used to a ‘bare minimum expectations’ type of governance—”They don’t steal that much,” “At least he hates that group,” “At least he’s from our province,” “At least they give us ayuda.” Even calamities are utilized for political schemes. We distrust street beggars, but give power and privileges to these so-called public servants. We bow to politicians and fiercely fight with our fellow citizens for them; we see the same suffering of our people in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao yet some are even willing to divide our country to advocate for the blatant agendas of regional dynasties.
Having a good standard and self-awareness is important for both voters and candidates. I cannot avoid thinking that greed and hunger for power are ingrained in human nature—it takes discipline to resist these. Real change won’t come from politicians who may be our idols, our relatives, our friends. Our lives should not revolve around politicians, the past generations and our fellow voters’ mistakes. Let us ask ourselves: If I were related to successful politicians, would I take advantage of nepotism? And after countless election promises, how many officials actually brought concrete improvement and solutions to our society’s problems? For the politician, they may also ask themselves: If I have nothing substantial to offer and there are better candidates, do I have the humility to walk away from a mission I cannot fulfill?
Coming from the film industry, I think it is our job to open people’s eyes, not blind them further. Fame and numerous fans do not entitle or qualify us for anything: our knowledge and skills do. Celebrity or not, just because you can doesn’t mean you should, and an office is not a stage for entertainment. Public service is that—serving the nation’s interest, not self-interest. Politicians aren’t voted in just to be symbols of hope, or because they claim to have good intentions—it’s about understanding the nation’s issues and taking correct actions, and what they can actually deliver by working.
If they had wanted to, they would have. Many have not—if we look at the statistics, the lines of weary Filipinos seeking assistance in government institutions. Since this has been the case for years, maybe it’s time to redirect our hopes and energy. If there is little to wait for, perhaps real change begins with us—maybe it should no longer be a question of which leaders to trust, but what we can do—for our families, friendships, and communities. Some politicians may act to pretend they will save us, but our people have the capacity to take action for change, and change firmly, for this cycle has gone on for too long. (Brillante Ma. Mendoza)